Openings Roundup: Red Egg, Empire Hotel Rooftop, Nectar
June 7, 2008, 2:20 p.m.
Red Egg: The glittering new Chinatown restaurant pictured above had its
Red Egg: The glittering new Chinatown restaurant pictured above had its share of hassles before finally opening this week – something to do with the construction company failing to get the right permits – but after a six week delay, Red Egg’s staff is finally ready to get cracking. Executive Chef Mei Kun Chen was previously the State Chef for Guangzhou (not exactly a lightweight); second in command is Yu Hua Wu, who did time at Buddakan and Tao. Here they serve up Chinese cuisine “with a sprinkling of Peruvian dishes,” featuring dim sum by day, entrees like Peking Duck Sliders and Popcorn Tuna at night, climaxing with dim sum again for the late night crowd. 202 Centre Street, Chinatown, 212-966-1123.
Empire Hotel Rooftop: This weekend’s a scorcher, but things should cool down enough in the evening for the opening of this swank rooftop lounge. Three terraces and an indoor bar add up to over 8,000 square feet, with views overlooking Central Park and the Upper West Side. Cocktails are fancy and expensive, but that’s to be expected considering the lofty location. And there is a pool, but you’ll need to charm a hotel guest card off one of the swells to swim in it. 44 West 63rd Street, (212) 265-7400.
Nectar: It was four years ago that Jai Jai Greenfield and Eric Woods blazed a bold trail by opening Harlem Vintage, a fine wine shop on Frederick Douglas Blvd in Harlem. Supply met demand, and now the duo has doubled down with this sleek and spacious wine bar next door. Andrea Strong praises their knowledgeable selection 25 international wines by the glass, paired with a varying menu of artisanal cheeses, characuterie, and chocolate. And if wine isn’t your thing, there’s much beer and sake to be had as well. 2235 Frederick Douglas Blvd, at 121st Street, (212) 866-9463.